This Golden Milk Is Your New Healing Elixir

Turmeric is just about everywhere. This magical spice can transform any dish, offer up serious anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and boost the immune system. Turmeric’s starring role, however, may just be as the vibrant ingredient in golden milk: a turmeric-based elixir to help renew mind, body, and spirit.

Golden Milk and Turmeric Health Benefits

Golden milk is a combination of milk (cow or nondairy milk), turmeric, a sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, and black pepper, along with other flavorful ingredients like the warming spices cinnamon and nutmeg. Turmeric’s golden hue is how the drink gets its namesake color and the majority of its associated healing and elixir status benefits.

Turmeric has been used for centuries in both traditional Chinese medicine as well as India’s Ayurvedic medical system. Historically, turmeric has been used for thetreatment of liver disease, skin problems, respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, sprained muscles, joint pains and arthritis,inflammation, and wound healing.

The majority of turmeric’s potent healing power is due to a powerful compound known as curcumin, a bioactive chemical with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research has proven that turmeric and curcumin have the abilities to:

Helpimprove the memory of individuals in the early stages of diabetes and those at risk for cognitive damage.

Organic or Conventional Turmeric?

Look for certified organic turmeric powder in a glass bottle or certified organic knobs of fresh turmeric root. Organic turmeric has been grown in certified organic soil without the use of certain synthetic pesticides and herbicides, making it a better choice than conventionally-grown turmeric.

Organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and roots often contain a higher amount of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. A 2014meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Nutrition, which included data from more than 300 studies, found that organic crops have considerably higher concentrations of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds--about 50 percent more, compared to conventional crops. This means organic turmeric may provide more potent curcumin and antioxidant benefits, compared to conventional turmeric. But the benefits of turmeric--even if grown conventionally--outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. So if you can only find conventional turmeric, give it a go for this delicious and nutritious golden milk recipe.

How to Add Turmeric to Your Diet

Turmeric has a pleasant earthy and mild taste that can boost and transform any dish. It works well with vegetables, meat, and even in breakfast and desserts--just remember that the slight hint of turmeric will naturally color any dish yellow. Here are a few ways to get your turmeric fix:

As you can see, turmeric is a healthy and versatile ingredient in the kitchen. And this golden milk recipe is the perfect place to start. We hope you enjoy this Golden Milk recipe! As a small favor, if you need to buy some of the spices for this recipe, we ask that you use the affiliate links provided above to help support our site.